Treasures of India

From the Golden Triangle of Rajasthan to the peaceful backwaters of the south, we will be introduced to the customs, traditions, lifestyles and superb cuisine that make India the destination of a lifetime. In the company of our local resource people, we will experience the spectacle of colors, sights, smells, sounds and vitality that comprises everyday life in India.

India is a land of variety and contrasts. To the north, it is bordered by the world's highest mountain chain. In Rajasthan, one encounters a vast, sandy desert. In the south, plateaus and tropical rain forests are bordered by palm-fringed beaches.

The country's topographical diversity is matched by its cultural diversity, a result of its long history, the co-existence of a number of religions, and local language and tradition. India's history goes back to 3200 B.C., when Hinduism first emerged. Today, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Christianity and Islam all exist within the country.

India's great natural wealth has lured a succession of traders and foreign influences, and each has left their imprint in the country. The towering temples of south India are easily identifiable by their ornately sculptured surfaces. In the desert, Spartan lifestyles are made vibrant by a profusion of jewelry, ornamental embroidery and colourful textiles. In Kerala, Chinese fishing nets reflect that region's ancient maritime trade. India today is equally home to simple tribal lifestyles and sophisticated urban jetsetters. It is a land where temple elephants exist amicably with the microchip, and where ancient monuments form the backdrop for the world's largest democracy. Welcome to India, where culture speaks, tradition echoes, beauty enthralls and diversity delights.